Essex County Council has issued multiple temporary traffic orders affecting Chelmsford and surrounding areas, including Writtle, Great Baddow, Galleywood, Little Baddow, Rettendon and High Easter. The notices, published on the Public Notice Portal and in the Essex Chronicle dated July 9, 2026, detail timed road closures, diversions and a 30mph speed limit on sections of the A414 for a special event.
A414 30mph Limit for Race for Life
A temporary 30mph speed limit will apply between 8pm July 18, 2026 and 8pm July 19, 2026 on two stretches of the A414 at Writtle and Margaretting to support the Race for Life special event:
- A414 Greenbury Way, Writtle: both directions from about 130 metres west of Widford Church Roundabout westwards for roughly 1,860 metres towards Margaretting Road Roundabout
- A414 Three Mile Hill/London Road, Margaretting: Chelmsford-bound carriageway from near Webbs Farm Roundabout for about 3,069 metres to near Widford Church Roundabout
The order may remain in force for up to 18 months, but the reduced speed will only apply during the stated period.
Scheduled Road Closures and Diversions
Galleywood Road, Chelmsford: overnight closure from 10pm to 5.30am on August 3, 2026 for carriageway resurfacing by Horizon Construction Group. Diversion via B1007, A1114, B1009, B1007.
High Easter Road, High Easter: closed for five days from August 3, 2026 for new connection works by Affinity Water Limited. Diversion via High Easter Road, The Street, Rehobeth Street, Stagden Cross Road, Mashbury Road, Barrack Road, Bedfords Hill, Bedfords Farm Road, Mill Road, School Road, High Easter Road.
Colam Lane, Little Baddow: closed for four days from July 24, 2026 for pole replacement by Openreach. Diversion via Colam Lane, Church Road, Hammonds Road, Sandon Interchange, A414, Little Baddow Road, The Ridge, Colam Lane.
East Hanningfield Road, Rettendon: closed for one day on July 22, 2026 for service upgrades by UK Power Networks. Diversion via Southend Road and Main Road, with access controls for local roads as signed.
Horse and Groom Lane, Galleywood: closed for four days from July 24, 2026 for pole replacement by Openreach Limited. Diversion via Horse and Groom Lane, Goat Hall Lane and Bekeswell Lane.
Molrams Lane, Great Baddow: closed for two days from July 23, 2026 for pole replacement by Openreach Limited. Diversion via Molrams Lane, A1060, Maldon Road, High Street, Church Street, Molrams Lane.
Skinners Lane, Galleywood: closed for five days from July 20, 2026 for footway patching by Essex County Council. Diversion via Skinners Lane, B1009, B1007, Watchouse Lane.
Springfield Park Lane, Chelmsford: closed for eight days from July 20, 2026 for gas upgrades by Cadent Gas Limited. Diversion via Springfield Park Road, Chelmer Road, Springfield Park Avenue.
Streetworks Programmes
Various Roads, City of Chelmsford (Streetworks SW9): phased closures on Weymouth Road, Totnes Walk, Dartmouth Road and Burnham Road for water mains upgrades by Essex and Suffolk Water. Diversions include Dartmouth Road, Bodmin Road, Helston Road, Sidmouth Road and Torquay Road where applicable; Totnes Walk has no through diversion.
Various Roads, City of Chelmsford (Streetworks No 11, SW11): phased closures on Molrams Lane and Woodhill Road in Sandon/Great Baddow for gas mains upgrades by Cadent Gas. Signed diversions via Molrams Lane, Southend Road, A1114, Church Street, High Street, Maldon Road, A1060 and Penny Royal Road/Mayes Lane as indicated on site.
Many of the above orders came into effect on July 2, 2026 or July 16, 2026 for legal purposes and can run for up to 18 months; however, restrictions will only operate during the signed working periods listed on valid permits. Dates may vary, and advance warning signs and One.network updates will show any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which roads are affected? The programme covers sections of the A414 at Writtle and Margaretting and local roads in Chelmsford, Great Baddow, Galleywood, Little Baddow, Rettendon and High Easter, as itemised above.
When are the works taking place? Works are scheduled across July and August 2026. Key dates include the A414 30mph limit from 8pm July 18, 2026 to 8pm July 19, 2026, and local road closures commencing from July 20, 2026. Some closures are overnight only. All dates are subject to change.
What diversion routes are in place? Signed diversions will be implemented at each location. Examples are provided above and may be adjusted by traffic management teams on the day.
Will access be maintained? Emergency services access will be maintained. Residents will be informed of specific dates for each phase via letter or leaflet drops and advance signs on the roads.
Where can I see the full legal notices? Full details are available on the Public Notice Portal listing for these Essex traffic orders and in the Essex Chronicle.
How can I raise concerns? Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to contact Essex County Council’s highways team using the channels provided on the notice and to follow any stated representation or enquiry process.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys, observe the 30mph limit where in force, and follow signed diversion routes while works are underway.
